Tarocchino di Bologna (Giuseppe Maria Mitelli 1660): Ten of Swords

Swords were typically depicted with curved blades in ancient tarot decks to distinguish them from staves. They correspond to the playing card suit of Spades, (in Italian, spada means sword). This suit represents the element Air, and the social classes of Nobility and Military. Swords are considered a Masculine suit. Swords typically represent intellect, reason, mental clarity, and the sciences. They may also represent conflicts surrounding the questioner.

The Tens typically concern an extreme abundance, which can be positive or negative, such as an abundance of riches or friendships, or an overburdening of work, or pressure and commitment, or even an absolute destruction.

Back-stabbed. Defeat. Crisis. Betrayal. Endings. Loss.

The Ten of Swords represents absolute destruction, or being pinned down by a multitude of things or situations. It may also represent a feeling of hopelessness and being trapped by emotions or mental anguish, since swords represent strife and the mind. The Ten of Swords is the grimmest card in the deck, more destructive and reminiscent of death than the Death card itself. However, any real death or destruction, like all things, may not be permanent. There is hope regardless of the situation: this is the worst the questioner's situation could possibly be, and things will only improve.

This card symbolizes a troubling situation that will continue for a significant amount of time. However, this card suggests that the subject should not despair in difficult times, to avoid ruining future prospects for success.